Commercial Cluster Head – GCC & International Markets

Axantia; Dubai; On-site; AED 600,000 - 1,000,000; Full time

Job summary

Axantia is seeking a seasoned Commercial Cluster Head to lead the GCC and international markets, shaping strategy, accelerating growth, and driving profitability across multiple territories. The role demands extensive pharma leadership, P&L ownership, market expansion, pricing, tenders, partnerships, and collaboration with Regulatory, Supply Chain, and Manufacturing to meet ambitious objectives.

You will build high-performing teams and manage distributor networks while reporting insights to

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a related field.
• MBA or postgraduate qualification preferred.
• 12–18 years of pharma experience with regional leadership exposure.
• P&L ownership across multiple markets and complex negotiations.
• Experience with market access, pricing, tenders, and product launches.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute commercial strategies, plans, budgets and forecasts across markets.
• Drive revenue, gross margin, market share, and profitability.
• Identify market opportunities and plan entry strategies considering regulatory requirements.
• Lead distributor selection, performance management and negotiations.
• Strengthen relationships with key accounts, wholesalers, and hospitals.
• Oversee portfolio strategy, pricing, promotions, and launches.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Leadership

Financial analysis

Negotiation

Analytical thinking

Executive presentation

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Life Sciences, Business Administration

MBA or postgraduate qualification in Business Administration/Marketing/International Business

Job description

We’re Hiring | Commercial Cluster Head – GCC & International Markets

About the Role

We are seeking an accomplished and commercially driven C Commercial Cluster Head – GCC &International Markets to lead regional commercial strategy, accelerate business growth, and drive financial performance across the GCC and selected international markets.

This senior leadership role will be responsible for expanding market presence, maximizing pharmaceutical portfolio performance, developing strategic partnerships, and strengthening distributor networks while ensuring sustainable profitability, operational alignment, and compliance with applicable regulatory standards.

The ideal candidate brings extensive pharmaceutical industry experience, a proven track record in multi-market commercial leadership, and strong expertise in P&L management, market expansion, pricing, tender management, and international business development.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute commercial strategies, annual business plans, sales targets, budgets, and rolling forecasts across assigned markets.
• Drive revenue growth, gross margin, market share, and overall commercial profitability, ensuring performance against agreed business objectives.
• Identify new market opportunities and develop market-entry strategies based on commercial potential, competitive dynamics, regulatory requirements, and business feasibility.
• Lead distributor and agent selection, appointment, performance management, and strategic negotiations.
• Build and strengthen relationships with key accounts, wholesalers, pharmacy chains, hospitals, institutional customers, and strategic business partners.
• Lead portfolio strategy, including product positioning, segmentation, pricing, promotional planning, new product launches, and portfolio expansion.
• Develop market-specific pricing strategies and lead tender decisions, negotiations, and profitability assessments.
• Drive business development opportunities, including licensing agreements, contract manufacturing, and strategic partnerships.
• Collaborate with Regulatory Affairs to prioritize product registrations and align launch timelines with commercial objectives.
• Partner with Manufacturing and Supply Chain teams to align demand forecasts, production planning, product availability, and inventory efficiency.
• Monitor market access developments, pricing and reimbursement policies, competitor activities, and healthcare market trends.
• Ensure adherence to pharmaceutical regulatory requirements, quality standards, pharmacovigilance obligations, and corporate compliance policies.
• Identify and mitigate commercial, financial, regulatory, credit, and supply-related risks across assigned territories.
• Lead, coach, and develop high-performing commercial teams, fostering accountability, collaboration, and a results-oriented culture.
• Provide regular business performance updates, market insights, and strategic recommendations to executive leadership.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Life Sciences, Business Administration, or a related discipline.
• MBA or postgraduate qualification in Business Administration, Marketing, or International Business is preferred.
• 12–18 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry, with substantial commercial leadership and international business development exposure.
• At least 5 years in a senior regional or multi-market leadership role, with P&L responsibility across multiple markets.
• Proven experience managing GCC and international markets, distributor networks, commercial partnerships, and market expansion initiatives.
• Strong expertise in commercial strategy, budgeting, forecasting, pricing, tender management, market access, and product launches.
• Sound understanding of pharmaceutical manufacturing, supply chain operations, product registration, and regulatory compliance.
• Demonstrated ability to negotiate complex commercial agreements and deliver sustainable business growth.

Core Competencies

• Strategic thinking and commercial acumen.
• Strong leadership, people development, and team management.
• Financial analysis and P&L ownership.
• Negotiation, stakeholder management, and relationship building.
• Analytical thinking and data-driven decision-making.
• Results orientation, accountability, and risk management.
• Excellent communication and executive presentation skills.